India 
Star Alliance About Air India
Air India is the flag carrier of India and a Star Alliance member, now owned by the Tata Group and undergoing a major fleet and brand transformation that has unified Vistara and Air India Express under the Maharaja brand. Headquartered in Gurugram, India. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Free | Included on international; domestic allowance is weight-based at 15-25 kg by fare | 50 pounds (23 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| Business | Free | Free | 70 pounds (32 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| First | Free | Free | 70 pounds (32 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Combined dimensions of both pieces must not exceed 107 inches (273 cm). Excess piece USD 50-340 by route.
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Air India baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
Gurugram → London (Economy)
Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), 7 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 50 pounds (23 kg) — Included
2nd bag: Included on international; domestic allowance is weight-based at 15-25 kg by fare
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
Gurugram → New York (Business Class)
Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), 7 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 70 pounds (32 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | USD 15-55 per kg internationally (USD 40/kg to US/Canada/Europe/Australia, USD 15/kg to other international destinations); INR 500 + GST per kg domestic | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Cheaper if purchased online up to 2 hours before departure vs. airport rates | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | Bags 23-32 kg charged USD 40-180 by route; bags over 32 kg not accepted as single piece | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Air India's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join Maharaja Club: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
Air India accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Sports equipment: Accepted as checked baggage within standard piece/weight allowance; oversize or overweight items charged at applicable excess rates.
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Musical instruments: Small instruments allowed in cabin if within carry-on limits; larger instruments require an extra purchased seat or checked baggage.
Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.
Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase
Infant baggage: Infants under 2 receive an additional 10 kg checked baggage allowance plus a collapsible stroller free of charge.
Strollers and pushchairs gate-checked free.
Compact strollers may be allowed in overhead bin
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference
Musical Instruments
- Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
- Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
- Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
- Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight
Sports Equipment
- Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
- Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
- Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
- Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length
Hub Airports
Compare Air India With Broader Baggage Charts
Use these comparison guides to benchmark this airline against broader cabin, personal item, and checked baggage patterns before you book.
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